Beers, ciders, food and football is on the menu at the fourth annual Crystal Palace FC Beer Festival, writes Andy Bloss.

More than 2,000 revellers are expected to descend on Selhurst Park as the club celebrates survival in the Premier League for the first time in its history.

More than 150 beers, craft ales, ciders and bottled beers from around the world will be available on the day.

Neil Morrissey is opening the event and there will also be live music, street food, and the FA Cup final shown live on the big screen from 5pm.

Cheerleaders the Crystals will also provide entertainment.

Croydon brewery The Cronx, who won the gold medal last year for their Single Hop Galaxy beer, are devising the list of which breweries will be showcasing their beers at the event.

Mark Russell, one of the Cronx brewers, says: “We started off by sitting down and deciding what individual breweries we really want at the festival, before finding out if they are available through our supply chain or, if they are a little more local, getting them direct from the brewery.

“There are some great beers to try likeBurning Sky, Magic Rock & Tiny Rebel. There are also a lot of the great beers from London breweries. I am really looking forward to trying some of the US bottled beers that will be there as well.

“If there was a beer to sum up Palace’s season it would be summed up by that great hoppy number from Dark Star: Revelation.”

Crystal Palace chairman Stephen Browett, says he is looking forward to the festival more than ever this year.

He says: “I am looking forward enormously to this year. Partly because the range of ales is going to be outstanding and partly because it is going to be the most enormous end of season party for Palace fans.

“We are on course to possibly have the second highest league finish in the 109 year history of the club and finally retain our Premier League place is a fantastic achievement that needs celebrating.

“Around 2,500 people are expected on the day and tickets are selling fast. My favourites are probably Roosters, Oakham and Thornbridge.

“But even though I am a serious real ale ‘ticker’ there are loads of new beers that I have never tried before. I am also looking forward to trying the latest specials from The Cronx.”

The CPFC Beer Festival, Selhurst Park, May 17, 12pm, £8 in advance or £12 on the day, visit cpfc.co.uk for more information.